Climb Mexico's El Pico de Orizaba
Travel Details

Travel Agent

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe. We have been working with Erin for the last 8 years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. Additional coverage options are available (such as cancel for any reason) when insurance is purchase within 10 days of making your climb reservation, however you may also purchase it any time before the start of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites listed below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover participation in mountaineering activities. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.

Getting There

Most major US airlines offer daily flights to Mexico City. Flights should be booked to allow for an arrival time in the early afternoon on Day 1 of the itinerary.  Departing flights should be booked for 3:00 p.m. or later on Day 7.

Entry Requirements

As of January 23, 2007, a valid passport is required when traveling to/from Mexico by air. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return. U.S. passport holders can stay up to 90 days without special visas.

Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will be required to complete a currency declaration form which will be submitted to the authorities on your departure. You will need to retain the “stub” of your immigration form for the duration of your stay, and present it upon leaving. Loss of this stub usually results in a fine.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a back up. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Immunizations / Travel Medicine

No immunizations are currently required for entering Mexico. There are, however, several recommendations. Please check with your physician and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice. For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Airport Arrival

Once you are in the Mexico City Airport, follow signs to the Arrivals Building and proceed through Immigrations. They will provide you with an entrance permit adequate for your stay. Please check the date to ensure it covers your complete stay in Mexico.

After receiving your bags from Baggage Claim you will proceed to Customs. There will be a random selection of bags for inspection. Be sure to keep all your bags together.

Once you have passed through Customs and entered into the main terminal building, find one of the airport’s Authorized Taxis desks.  There are several at Door 12 of the international arrivals terminal. They are usually marked by signs saying "Taxis Autorisados" "Taxis Terrestre". Authorized Taxis, though a private service and more costly than the other public taxi services, are the only reliable taxi service available from the airport into Mexico City. The drive to our hotel is approximately 3.5 miles and should cost about $20 USD   Number of passengers and amount of baggage may affect pricing.

There have been occasional reports of baggage handlers escorting tourists from one taxi desk to another in an effort to get them to pay “additional” fees – baggage fees, excess baggage fees, over-sized baggage fees, etc. These are bogus fees intended only take advantage of tourists caught in the hectic pace of a strange airport. Simply be aware of this so as not to become a victim of their scheme. You only need to pay $20 once, and you will be given a receipt.

Transportation

The provided transportation in Mexico is via private vans or buses. If you plan to extend your stay and drive an automobile in Mexico, it must be covered with Mexican insurance. Auto insurance issued by almost all American insurance companies is void in Mexico.

Mexico Country Facts

Mexico borders the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The capital, Mexico City, is about 700 miles southwest of Houston, Texas. The cultural makeup of Mexico is principally indigenous peoples. In Mexico City, there is a high percentage of Spaniards of European origin.

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, and little English is spoken or understood outside Mexico City.

Mexico's attractions include its mountains, historical sites, archaeological ruins, fiestas, beaches, fishing, water sports, golf, bullfighting, handicrafts, music, dance, relaxation and moderate prices.

The time in Mexico City is the same as the central time zone in the United States. Daylight savings time is practiced.

Weather

The weather in Mexico City and while traveling to and from the mountains can be very warm. We recommend bringing a pair of light pants and a T-shirt. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.

Etiquette

Although it is not expected that American tourists dress formally, it is expected that they dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Tourists who flaunt such things as expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc may attract the attention of thieves.

Money

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. The recent exchange rate was about 9.8 pesos to the U.S. dollar. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com/ucc for the current exchange rate prior to departure.

You will find that $200- $300 for spending money is adequate for restaurant meals, drinks and pocket money. You may choose to bring more depending on your shopping plans and length of stay.

Cash machines are readily available in Mexico City, but become increasingly difficult to find outside of the main urban areas. There are several cash machines at the airport which makes it very easy and convenient to withdraw cash. While American dollars are widely accepted, we recommend changing money at the airport so that you have Mexican Pesos for airport porters, taxis, etc.

Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, areas.

Traveler’s checks are a good backup and the safest way to carry money, but are not easily cashed and usually have a much lower exchange rate. If you are planning to use travelers checks, we recommend that you buy America Express as they are most widely recognized and accepted.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.

Tipping

Waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten percent is normal.

Health

Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. Below are some basic guidelines to help keep you healthy.

• Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before all meals and after using any bathroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.
• Water - The number one rule is: don’t drink the water; and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe dry excess moisture in drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.
• Food - If you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.

Photography

Mexico is very photogenic and the photos you take will be priceless. Install fresh batteries in your camera and/or flash before you leave the United States and take along an extra set. Bring plenty of film or storage space.

Ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly indigenous people. If in doubt, either ask or refrain. Don’t photograph any government or military property or persons; this includes the airport.

Electricity

Electricity in Mexico is the same as in the United States: the ungrounded two-prong plug is used for 110 volts, 60 hertz appliances. Appliances with 3 prongs or an enlarged prong will require an adapter.

Medical Emergencies

Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is available in many destinations and in the event of more serious injuries or illnesses we recommend transport to any of the level I care centers in Mexico City. Our tour operator, Sr. Reyes, is an M.D. and is Chair of the local Cruz Roja (Red Cross). He has clinics near the base of El Pico de Orizaba, in Tlachichuca, and in Mexico City.

Travel Advisories/Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Resources

There are a number of books on travel health including: Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America by Dirk Schroeder. Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Fodor’s and Frommers are all good travel guides. Information and updates can be found on the website for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides medical information for travelers as well as the consular information.

R. J. Secor, Mexico’s Volcanoes: A Climbing Guide. The Mountaineers, third ed., 2001.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/mexico/ is Lonely Planet’s guide to travel in Mexico.

Wikitravel in Mexico offers good general information and links to explore.